1978 Austin Allegro vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1978 Austin Allegro is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 405 kg more than 1978 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mercury Comet is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Austin Allegro, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Allegro | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Allegro | Comet |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
